Let me tell you about our disastrous experience: Last year, we headed south to a family week. I have to admit that we were a little hesitant about going away as lovers, but we needed to spend some quality time together, all five of us. We booked through a platform, which was quick and reassuring. The rental seemed to offer good value for money, we have not checked the details.
Big mistake.
Once we got there, it was drama: no cot, fragile furniture, and worst of all, no room for the children to play freely. The result? Days of hell. What's more, our little Maël suffered a lot from the heat.
Since then, I've been looking ahead to our holidays and I've shared my top 5 tips for parents!
Tip 1: Make sure all safety equipment is present
Child safety is no joke. You can check these points:
- protected electrical outlets or out of reach
- latching gates for stairs
- cold door" oven
- and many more...
This information can be found on booking platforms. You need to look a little harder... Some gîte owners specify this on their website.
You can rest easy fire detectors are compulsory. Carbon monoxide detectors remain optional.
Tip no. 2: Check that the equipment on offer is suitable for small children
You'll pack with more zen if this equipment is available:
- Children's or umbrella bed
- high chair
- changing table
- adapted bathtub
- but also toys, books, board games, etc.
We take this opportunity to check that the well-equipped kitchen and functional: it will delight gourmets and soothe cooks. Preparing delicious dishes with several hands is just one more great memory!
Tip no. 3: Choose accommodation with sufficient space
I tend to be seduced by photos on websites.. I know, however, that they are taken from a wide angle, revealing larger or deeper spaces. As we are looking for comfort, je never fail to check the surface area of the property. We'll all be able to relax without feeling cramped.
If there are secure play areas (playroom, reading corner), it's even better.
Access to a private outdoor space is a real bonus. It's great to see the children playing outside, close to us, without risk. If there's a swimming pool, we're even more vigilant about the safety features.
Tip 4: Check the proximity of activities suitable for children
Sometimes I've fallen in love with an accommodation without checking its location... Another mistake! We spent hours on the moveThe result: wasted time, annoyance in the back seats and ... Adèle's vomit.
Search in advance attractions for children. List the places you absolutely want them to discover. Then visualise them on a map: GoogleMaps is great for tagging locations.
To choose walks that will make your little feet want to follow you, I've adopted the Komoot. On this free GPS application, users share " not to be missed "In just a few clicks, your fantastic route is ready. In just a few clicks, your fantastic route is ready, complete with distance, gradient, etc. You can then set off on your adventure with your little troop. With a GPS in your pocket for reassurance (your phone!).
And finally.., choose a central location for your gîte in relation to two or three key activities.
Tip no. 5: Read reviews and ask questions
Look for reviews from families who have stayed in the accommodation and see what they have to say.
Don't hesitate to ask your host any questions: it's in their interest to ensure that their accommodation meets your family's needs. Happy holidaymakers make happy guests!
Planning a family trip is very stimulating - it's as if you were already there...
Happy holidays with your children and... DON'T FORGET YOUR CUDDLY TOYS!
PsssiiitIf you're looking for a gîte with character that will delight your family and tick (almost) all the boxes above, take a look at our gîte.
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